Brazil’s albino alligators stolen

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) — Seven albino alligators were stolen from the only zoo run by the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), the university staff reported on Thursday. Biologist Itamar Assumpcao, who is in charge of the administration of the zoo, told reporters that the alligators were last seen on Dec. 31.

The federal police will investigate whether any staff member was involved in the theft. The alligators are suspected to be stolen for trade abroad.

The total value of the animals, approximately two years old, was estimated at 119,000 reais (68,000 U.S. dollars) in the illegal market.

Whiter Shade of Tail

Back in the '90s I discovered a partially albinistic robin in a nearby park. I was much impressed. Though, after I marched all my biology classes the three-quarters of mile to the area to show them the lingering bird, they were not so impressed.
Scott Maruna is a high school science teacher and author from west central Illinois with a fascination in all forms of anomalous natural history. He may be contacted at hissingcockroaches (at) yahoo.com.